Mapping The National Parks
The national parks of the United States are often compared to, and indeed inspire, works of art. In fact, the USGS has been regularly contributing new and updated works of art for the national parks—maps.
Latest News
The latest news from around the National Park System.
Canada's National Park System Saw Boost In Attendance In 2015
Canada’s national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas are important cornerstones of the country’s tourism industry. By September 2015, Parks Canada had welcomed close to 20 million visitors to parks and sites from coast to coast to coast, an increase of 5 percent over last year.
- By NPT Staff - December 26th, 2015 2:30am
Recalling The Bicycle Soldiers At Yellowstone National Park
For many visitors to Yellowstone National Park, and especially those at Mammoth Hot Springs, the photograph of soldiers in old-fashioned uniforms standing with their heavily loaded bicycles on the white travertine formations of Minerva Terrace has become an iconic image.
- By NPT Staff - December 25th, 2015 3:00am
Wildlife Disease Science In The National Parks
From striking craggy pinnacles to cavernous underground lairs, the national parks are renowned for their grand wildernesses. However, the inhabitants of these landscapes – the wilds’ wildlife – are perhaps the most beloved of the parks’ draws. Animals of the national parks, including many threatened or endangered species, also provide a significant scientific service: They are indicators of the overall health of their environments.
- By NPT Staff - December 25th, 2015 2:30am
Montana Approves Plan To Allow Yellowstone National Park Bison To Roam Out Of The Park
Yellowstone National Park bison soon are expected to be allowed to roam into parts of Montana under a plan approved by Gov. Steve Bullock, yet it remains to be seen how much relief it provides the iconic animals as they head to their traditional wintering and calving grounds.
- By Kurt Repanshek - December 24th, 2015 2:30am
Traveler's Gear Box: Fjällräven Keb Trekking Trousers
Growing up, jeans seemed to be the preferred pant for hiking and backpacking. And then along came khakis, wool if you expected rain or snow, and then, of course, synthetics. To continue the evolution, Fjällräven adds its trekking trousers with the company's proprietary G-1000® Eco fabric.
- By Kurt Repanshek - December 24th, 2015 2:30am
Record 59 Grizzlies Died In The Yellowstone Ecosystem In 2015
Conflicts with hunters and livestock were among the reasons a record 59 grizzly bears died in the Yellowstone ecosystem in 2015, the federal government’s grizzly coordinator said last week.
- By NPT Staff - December 24th, 2015 2:30am
Rock Creek Park Sends 700 Pounds Of Venison To District Of Columbia Food Kitchen
The National Park Service has donated about 700 pounds of venison to District of Columbia Central Kitchen. The meat will be used in the thousands of healthy meals that DC Central Kitchen prepares daily for multiple nonprofit partners, including homeless shelters, rehabilitation clinics, and after-school programs. The venison donation is a result of the deer reduction operation in Rock Creek Park in early December.
- By NPT Staff - December 23rd, 2015 3:00am
“Pop-Up” National Park And NPS Centennial Set For 2016 Rose Parade
The 127th Tournament of Roses Parade will highlight the National Park Service Centennial with park-themed floats, and an equestrian unit. There will also be a temporary “pop up” national park for events surrounding the iconic New Year’s celebration.
- By NPT Staff - December 23rd, 2015 2:00am
Grand Canyon's El Tovar Hotel To Close For Three-And-A-Half Months In 2017
After 110 years, is it any surprise that El Tovar Hotel on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park needs some work? That's why the grand dame will close for three-and-a-half months early in 2017 for some major rehabilitation work.
- By NPT Staff - December 22nd, 2015 12:53pm
Photography In The National Parks: Your Armchair Guide To Mesa Verde National Park
If you are planning a visit to Mesa Verde National Park with camera in hand, then sit back in your favorite chair and check photographer Rebecca Latson's continuation of her series of armchair photography guides with tips, advice, and example photos for this amazing national park.
- By Rebecca Latson - December 22nd, 2015 2:00am
Yosemite In The Fifties
Personalities, towering granite walls, and historic photographs for added perspective -- some amazing perspective at times -- are the heart and soul of Yosemite In The Fifties, a 176-page book that captures what the authors refer to as the Iron Age of climbing in Yosemite National Park.
- By Kurt Repanshek - May 19th, 2017 12:46am
Entrance Fees Going Up At Cabrillo National Monument
Entrance fees to Cabrillo National Monument in California will bump up January 5 in a move park officials say will help them pay for "important maintenance and improvement projects within the park."
- By NPT Staff - December 21st, 2015 3:00am
Rebuilding The Trails Of Grand Teton National Park
The second season of construction for our Inspiring Journeys campaign finished on November 9, 2015. Crews built over 1,300 square feet of stone masonry dry-stacked walls, 224 steps, and 628 lineal feet of single tier wall. Take at look at our video highlighting the challenging work completed and significant accomplishments of this summer's crew. The newly restored trail opens to visitors in summer 2016!
- By NPT Staff - December 21st, 2015 2:30am
Equestrian Unit From Grand Canyon National Park To Appear In Rose Bowl Parade
To kick off the new year and to celebrate the National Park Service’s Centennial, Grand Canyon National Park is participating in the 127th Rose Parade Friday, January 1. The theme for the 2016 Rose Parade- “Find Your Adventure”- is a nod to “Find Your Park,” a public campaign to raise awareness and excitement for the NPS Centennial.
- By NPT Staff - December 21st, 2015 2:00am
"Martin's Boat," A Film By Pete McBride
Martin Litton was known as the conscience of the Grand Canyon. As a conservationist he battled the damming of the Colorado, and many other causes. This film documents Litton, a year after his death.
- By Patrick Cone - May 19th, 2017 12:46am
Moose-Wilson Road Corridor Carrying Capacity: 550 People
Grand Teton National Park officials are not proposing to lower the number of people that can travel the Moose-Wilson Road corridor at any one time, but rather believe they have the tools to lessen their impact.
- By NPT Staff - December 20th, 2015 2:00am
Cape Lookout National Seashore Proposes ORV Guidelines
Proposed regulations for off-road vehicle use at Cape Lookout National Seashore in North Carolina call for a permit system for users, seasonal limitations for some areas of the national seashore, and additional ramps to facilitate travel between the beach route and back route.
- By Kurt Repanshek - December 19th, 2015 2:00am
Running With The Bighorn Sheep In Yosemite National Park
Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep are the rarest mountain sheep in North America. After the population dropped to around 100 animals in 1995, this unique sub-species was listed as an endangered species. In the spring of 2015, these charismatic animals were released into the heart of Yosemite for the first time in over 100 years
- By NPT Staff - December 18th, 2015 3:00am
Winter Has Arrived At Dinosaur National Monument
Recent snowfall and the arrival of winter at Dinosaur National Monument in Utah and Colorado brings changes to visitor access and services in many areas of the monument.
- By NPT Staff - December 18th, 2015 3:00am
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The Essential RVing Guide
The National Parks RVing Guide, aka the Essential RVing Guide To The National Parks, is the definitive guide for RVers seeking information on campgrounds in the National Park System where they can park their rigs. It's available for free for both iPhones and Android models.
This app is packed with RVing specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 parks.
You'll also find stories about RVing in the parks, some tips if you've just recently turned into an RVer, and some planning suggestions. A bonus that wasn't in the previous eBook or PDF versions of this guide are feeds of Traveler content: you'll find our latest stories as well as our most recent podcasts just a click away.
So whether you have an iPhone or an Android, download this app and start exploring the campgrounds in the National Park System where you can park your rig.
